Apply using the Applicant Portal
The Apply Now button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can create and submit your application and supporting documents, and you can also request your references.
An application is only complete when:
- you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
- you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
- your referees have provided their references.
You must name at least one supervisor with whom they wish to work on the application form, although successful applicants may be allocated to a supervisor other than the one named. You must provide details on your Cambridge-based employment, and a short statement of their research interests in the Research section of the application.
If an application does not indicate at least one named supervisor AND include a statement of research interest then the application will be rejected.
This course allows you to use one professional referee, as well as one academic referee, even if they have only recently left higher education. If you have been out of higher education for more than 6 years you may use two professional referees, in line with our general rules (see References to support your Cambridge application | Postgraduate Study). Note that this does not indicate a preference for professional referees: your referees should be whoever is best-qualified to provide the subject-specific insight necessary to inform our decision-making.
Selection Process
Applications received are considered on a rolling basis. Decisions will be made within 12 weeks of receipt wherever possible. Discussions with industrial employers may extend this period. A studentship agreement will need to be in place before the student can start their studies.
Things You'll Need
You should start preparing the things that you'll need when you apply. These will be mandatory, unless specifically flagged as optional.
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Two referees willing to give you a reference
Either academic or professional – please see our References guidance for more information about which type you need. Your referees will need to have submitted their reference by the course deadline. - Transcript
- CV/resume
- Evidence of competence in English
If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information. - Core - Proposed Supervisor (200 characters) (mandatory)
- Core - Research Summary (2500 characters) (mandatory)
- Core - Reasons for Applying (2500 characters) (mandatory)
- Core - Research Experience (2500 characters) (mandatory)
- Core - Research Proposal (document upload) (optional)
- School of Technology - Widening Participation Questionnaire
Applicants to this course are being asked to complete an additional form to provide contextual information about their previous study. Find out more about our use of contextual information here: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/how/contextual-data - Engineering - Extra Materials
A letter of support from your Industrial Employer
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:
See Gates Cambridge for more information.
How to Find a Supervisor
Prior to application, you should browse the Department's research group pages, to find the group and supervisor closest to their interests. Lists of supervisors accepting students for PhD places can be found on the Department webpage. You are not expected to make contact with a supervisor before submitting a formal application, but may do so to informally discuss research proposals, enquire about supervisor capacity, and determine if there is a good fit between research interests.
You must name at least one supervisor with whom you wish to work on the application form. Applications that do not name a supervisor will be rejected.